Thinking Critically

Reasoning is the process of examining data (facts, information, evidence, observations, and experiences) and drawing inferences, judgments, and conclusions from the data. Some people argue that by definition reasoning is always critical. However, the reality is that we confine much of our reasoning to the surface; we quickly identify the problem and then implement a solution that seems to solve it. Too often, we attack the symptom of the problem short-circuiting the reasoning process and any creativity.